BC WINERIES PREPARE FOR EXCITING 2024 VINTAGE RELEASE
AND THE LAUNCH OF “CRAFTED IN BC” WINES
As BC wineries prepare to bottle their 2024 vintage, producers are eagerly anticipating the spring debut of a new wine category, “Crafted in BC”. This limited-time offering, produced under the Vintage 2024 Relief and Support Program, highlights the industry’s resilience and innovation.
“Crafted in BC” wines provide a temporary yet vital solution to the significant crop loss in BC’s interior regions caused by extreme cold events in 2022 and 2024. Introduced by the BC government in July 2024, this support program combines the use of out-of-province grapes with the skill of BC winemakers.
“This measure has allowed wineries to not only keep their doors open and staff employed, but also the opportunity to challenge our talented BC winemaking teams to think outside their own vineyards,” said Paul Sawler, Board Chair of Wine Growers BC. “Crafted in BC wines are made by the same skilled hands as BC VQA wines, ensuring that the high standards of quality and craftsmanship are maintained.”
The “Crafted in BC” positioning is not a designation or certification but rather a messaging approach that highlights the industry’s resilience and adaptability during a difficult period. It allows wineries to continue producing wine while the vines recover, ensuring that BC’s reputation for producing exceptional wine remains intact.
“The ‘Crafted in BC’ wines represent an exciting opportunity for us to explore grapes from different climates and terroirs,” said Michael Bartier, Owner and Winemaker at Bartier Bros. Vineyard and Winery in the south Okanagan Valley. “This unique challenge will push us to continue crafting the high-quality wines BC is known for. While this vintage may be different, we are committed to upholding our reputation for excellence and are proud to put our names on every label.”
BC VQA wines, made from 100% BC-grown grapes, remain the focus and the future for BC wineries, and there remains plenty of supply in the market from previous vintages and those areas unaffected by the freeze events. The “Crafted in BC” wines from the 2024 vintage will help to bridge the gap while vines recover or vineyards are replanted, until BC wineries can return to producing 100% BC-grown wines .
“After tasting a few dozen of the “Crafted in BC” wines from various BC producers, I’m genuinely impressed. What stands out is the premium, high-quality fruit from diverse AVAs and regions. It’s fascinating to see how our winemakers are leaving their unique mark on these wines, experimenting with new grapes and varieties.” said Kurtis Kolt, Vancouver Sommelier and wine director. “These wines are not only important for the survival of the industry, but they are exciting!”
Starting April 1st, supporters of BC wineries will be able to find both 100% BC VQA wines, and, for a limited time, 2024 vintage “Crafted in BC” wines in the market. Wine Growers British Columbia (WGBC) has developed a comprehensive toolkit for wineries, retailers, trade, media and government to support the Crafted in BC positioning while reinforcing the industry commitment to 100% BC wine. By supporting BC wineries, you’re not only helping local businesses but also boosting the province’s economy and ensuring that BC’s wine culture continues to thrive for years to come.
Quick Facts:
The BC wine industry generates approximately $3.75 billion annually, contributes over $440 million in federal and provincial tax revenues, and employs over 14,000-plus full-time workers.
BC wine tourism draws an annual estimated 1 million tourists with $452 million in tourism-related revenue, and $147 million in wages across 2,615 tourism-related jobs.
For every bottle of BC wine sold, $105 is contributes to the regional and national economy.
ABOUT WINE GROWERS BRITISH COLUMBIA
Since 1990, WGBC has played a pivotal role in taking BC’s wine industry from a vision to an internationally recognized niche region producing premium wines and providing exceptional wine tourism experiences. WGBC markets the wine and regions of BC; delivers quality trade, media and consumer tastings; and acts as the voice of BC’s wine industry by advocating to government on behalf of industry that contributes $3.75 billion in provincial economic growth annually.
WGBC represents all wineries in British Columbia to grow the premium market share for the Wines of British Columbia, while driving awareness of our world-class wines and tourism product – as of 2019 drawing 1,191,500 visitors with $783.7million in tourism and tourism employment related economic impact on an annual basis.
For more information about Wine Growers BC programs and services, please visit WineBC.com.
For details on the Wines of British Columbia, go to WineBC.com.
Media release provided by Laura Kittmer, Wine Growers BC. Image: courtesy of Wine BC: Tourism Kamloops – Kamloops Wine Trail – Royce Sihlis.
